Cobb quits playing to become Bears academy coach

Josh Cobb's first-class cricket career was divided between his native county Leicestershire and then Northamptonshire

Warwickshire have appointed two-time T20 Blast winner Josh Cobb to coach the boys in the Edgbaston academy.

The former Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Worcestershire all-rounder has now officially retired from cricket at the age of 34 to join his fourth English county by taking up the position of boys' academy lead with the Bears.

Cobb, son of former Leicestershire player Russell, had his final season in domestic cricket in 2024 when he signed for Worcestershire on a white-ball only deal.

"My challenge is to keep developing homegrown players to play for the Bears and England," said Cobb. "To help young talent realise their dreams of playing out there in the middle at Edgbaston, not just for a few games but 100-plus times.

"I'm fresh out of the game. I've done the transition myself from academy into the professional game. Hopefully I can be a mentor for the lads and have a good view on what's required to make it professionally.

"The facilities for the academy here, with the Indoor School, are excellent. One of the best in the country. There is no better breeding ground for young talent."

Cobb was man of the match in both Edgbaston T20 finals he played in - first with Leicestershire in 2011, then when Northants won in 2016.

He scored 271 runs at an average of 22.58 in 12 T20 Blast matches in 2024, hitting one half-century against Lancashire as Worcestershire finished second bottom of the North Group.

And he made one List A appearance for the Pears, also against Lancashire in the One-Day Cup in August, having previously been sidelined by illness.

Cobb scored more than 13,000 runs (5,552 in first-class cricket, 4,262 in T20 and 3,338 in List A) in a career spanning 17 years.